Tomball unveils Harris County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box—offering a life-saving option for infant surrender.
TOMBALL, Texas — Tomball Fire Rescue, Harris County ESD #15, and the City of Tomball have announced the placement of Harris County’s first Safe Haven Baby Box at Tomball Firehouse 5. This marks only the second Safe Haven Baby Box in all of Southeast Texas.
The Safe Haven Baby Box offers a safe, legal, and anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender a newborn, ensuring the child is quickly placed into proper care. These devices have played a critical role in protecting infants across the country, and now this life-saving option is available to families in the Tomball area.
Tomball Fire Rescue said this project was funded entirely through donations, with no taxpayer money used.
Tomball Fire Rescue will host a blessing ceremony for the Safe Haven Baby Box on Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 11 a.m. The public is invited to attend and take part in this event.
Baby Moses Law or safe haven
Texas has a law called Safe Haven (sometimes called the Baby Moses law) that gives parents a safe, legal option with no judgment or legal consequences.
You can bring your baby to certain safe places – hospitals, fire stations, EMS stations, or emergency centers – and hand them over to an employee there. Just let them know you want to use the Safe Haven law. Your baby will get medical care and be placed with people who can provide the care they need.
What you need to know
Your baby needs to be 60 days old or younger and unharmed. You can go to any hospital, fire station, or EMS station in Texas, or use a newborn safety device at designated emergency infant care facilities.
The staff might ask you some questions about your family’s medical history – this isn’t to judge you, but to help make sure your baby gets the right medical care. If you bring your baby to a fire or EMS station, they’ll likely take the baby to a hospital for a medical checkup.
The most important thing to remember: If you leave your unharmed baby at one of these Safe Haven locations, you won’t face any criminal charges for abandonment or neglect. This law exists to protect both you and your baby during a difficult time.
Anyone with questions can call call Texas Baby Moses Hotline at (1-877-904-7283.